Pelham Businesses Revamp Downtown with $100,000 Grant Boost

PELHAM, NY (October 7, 2025) — The Pelham Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Pelham announced the winners of the first round of the Downtown Improvement Grant program, awarding $100,000 to 19 downtown storefronts to enhance facades and boost local vibrancy.

The initiative, designed in partnership with The Catalyst of Westchester County Economic Development, supports projects like installing new awnings, updating signage, creating outdoor seating areas or other facade improvements. Grantees can receive up to $5,000 to cover two-thirds of a project’s costs, with exceptional or creative applications eligible for up to $10,000.

“We are incredibly proud of the enthusiastic response to the DIG grant program and the immediate positive impact it’s having on our downtown businesses,” said Jim Lofgren, president of the Pelham Chamber of Commerce. “It’s exciting to see how landmark buildings and Pelham institutions such as The Picture House and the Pelham Art Center can benefit from this initiative. This marks a significant step in our journey to revitalize and upgrade the downtown experience for our residents, and we are excited to see the approved projects already coming to life.”

The awarded businesses include The Picture House, Pelham Art Center, Cantina Lobos, Pelican Room, Tig & Peach, Thrive Barre, Dr. Anne Kossowan Orthodontist, Lucky of Pelham (Pelham Palace), Annie’s Nails, SOOP, Marcellos, Pelham North, Blue Dog Wines, Depot Dave, Honey Notes, Dannys Cycles, MG Martins, Pizza Fenice and Skylight Kitchen.

“The DIG program is about more than funding — it’s about partnership. When our local businesses invest in themselves, we want to celebrate their investment and match it with our own support. Every act of faith in Pelham strengthens the foundation of our community, and I’m grateful to our partners in the Pelham Chamber of Commerce and Westchester County for making this vital investment possible,” said Mayor Chance Mullen of the Village of Pelham.

The program aims to foster a bustling downtown where businesses prosper and residents enjoy a vibrant atmosphere. “This program is about more than just funding,” Lofgren said. “It’s about celebrating the unique character of Pelham while updating it to feel new and fresh. We believe that even small changes can have a big impact, and we’re excited to see how our businesses will continue to rise to this opportunity.”

The Downtown Improvement Grant is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Pelham Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Pelham, using funds from the Westchester County Office of Economic Development. The chamber reviews applications and selects recipients while offering advisory services. The village handles reimbursements, streamlined permitting and code compliance.

The Pelham Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses, fosters partnerships and enhances the economic landscape through advocacy, resources and programs to keep Pelham a thriving hub.

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.